In Ouagadougou, the reception offered by HM the King’s Ambassador, Youssef Slaoui, was marked by the presence of members of the Burkinabè government, ambassadors, representatives of inter-African and international organizations, civil, military and religious figures. , and members of the Moroccan community residing in Burkina Faso.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Slaoui stressed that over the past 24 years, Morocco has continued with serenity and confidence its development process under the reign of HM King Mohammed VI.
He added that “the royal commitment consecrated the promised path which was reaffirmed through the actions and initiatives as well as a battery of measures aimed at implementing the New Development Model which represents a systemic leaf allowing the country to “ensure development by taking it to the next level by 2035”.
The Moroccan diplomat recalled that over the last two decades, the economy has occupied an indisputable place in the governance of His Majesty the King.
“The country has opened up to foreign investments, Moroccan industry is competitive at the level of the pioneering ecosystems of automobile manufacturing, aeronautics, chemicals and parachemicals and the agri-food industry,” he said.
Mr. Slaoui praised, at the same time, the excellent relations maintained by Morocco and Burkina Faso, which draw their foundations from the solidity of the relationships marked by sincere friendship, mutual esteem and consideration linking the authorities and the people of our two brotherly and friendly countries.
He expressed the full solidarity of the Kingdom of Morocco with Burkina Faso in its tireless efforts to fight the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism.
He also recalled that thanks to the holding of the Joint Cooperation Commission, the quota of scholarships reserved for Burkina Faso was revised upwards from the 2023-2024 academic year, thus increasing from 180 to 200, divided between university studies and professional training.
“In the same vein and in application of the Framework Agreement for scholarships and internships, the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation has made 50 scholarships available to Burkinabè professionals per year, thus providing them with opportunities to benefit from the Training Programs. capacity building and advanced training courses meeting the needs of the socio-economic fabric of Burkina Faso, which brings the total number of this cooperation program to 250,” he said.
The diplomat also mentioned the final entry into force of the Agreement on the abolition of visas for holders of ordinary Moroccan and Burkinabe passports, signed in Morocco, on October 23, 2020, following the exchange of notes carried out between the two parties.
For his part, the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabè Abroad, responsible for regional cooperation, Karomoko Jean Marie Traoré, indicated that the commemoration of this anniversary is an opportunity, to revisit together what Burkina Faso and Morocco have built within the framework of friendship and cooperation.
He translated the warm congratulations of the President of the Transition, Captain Ibrahim Traoré to HM King Mohammed VI, affirming that the Burkinabè people positively appreciate the journey taken together.
“Morocco is part of the register of models of south-south cooperation in its relations with Burkina Faso and we believe that it is a model which must require the greatest importance as an alternative for our country,” said – he highlighted.
In Conakry, HM the King’s Ambassador, Isam Taïb, organized a reception in the presence of more than a dozen Guinean ministers, senior advisors to the Presidency and the Chief of Staff of the Guinean Armed Forces.
Members of the diplomatic corps, international institutions, the Moroccan diaspora, as well as several notable personalities from the country also came in large numbers to celebrate the 24 years of the reign of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
During the ceremony and following the screening of a video capsule retracing the key achievements of the Kingdom under the reign of HM the King, Mr. Taïb highlighted the major projects and reforms undertaken by the Sovereign as well as the structural transformation of the economic and social fabric made since His accession to the glorious throne of His ancestors in 1999.
Mr. Taïb also highlighted the avant-garde and proactive Royal Vision for united and active south-south cooperation, of which Guinea is full of fruits, particularly due to the number of royal projects affecting multiple vital sectors such as health, professional training, infrastructure and fishing.
Furthermore, the Moroccan diplomat welcomed the recent holding of the 7th session of the Morocco-Guinea Joint Commission in the city of Dakhla and which saw the signing of eight cooperation agreements in several areas and the appointment of the new Consul General of the Republic of Guinea in Dakhla and which testifies, once again, to Guinea’s unchanging support for the Moroccan character of the Sahara.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Youssef Slaoui, Moroccan Ambassador to Burkina Faso
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Mr. Slaoui. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us today. Let’s dive in. You recently hosted a reception in Ouagadougou marking a significant moment in Morocco-Burkina Faso relations. What was the atmosphere like, and what message did you want to convey?
Youssef Slaoui (YS): Thank you for having me. The reception was not just a celebration; it was a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted friendship and cooperation between Morocco and Burkina Faso. The presence of various dignitaries, from government officials to members of the Moroccan community, showcased our strong ties. The key message was one of solidarity and commitment—both in terms of development and in the fight against common challenges.
TNE: You mentioned King Mohammed VI’s significant leadership over the past 24 years. Can you elaborate on how his vision has shaped Morocco’s development strategy?
YS: Absolutely. Under King Mohammed VI, Morocco has embarked on a journey of profound transformation. The New Development Model is central to this vision and aims to take the country to the next level by 2035 through sustainable economic growth. Our focus on attracting foreign investments and fostering competitive industries—like automotive, aeronautics, and agribusiness—shows our commitment to not just local, but regional and international development.
TNE: It’s fascinating to hear about Morocco’s growth. During your speech, you praised Morocco’s economic diversification efforts. How do these efforts translate into tangible benefits for Burkina Faso?
YS: Our economic growth is not an isolated endeavor; it benefits our partners in the region. For instance, the increase in scholarships for Burkinabè students—now 200 for the 2023-2024 academic year—demonstrates our commitment to education and capacity-building. Furthermore, the granting of 50 annual scholarships for Burkinabè professionals reflects our intention to enhance skills and knowledge transfer, which are essential for Burkina Faso’s socio-economic fabric.
TNE: Education is indeed a vital component for any nation’s development. Speaking of collaboration, you also highlighted the recent agreement concerning visa exemptions between Morocco and Burkina Faso. How does this impact relations between the two countries?
YS: The visa exemption agreement is crucial as it facilitates mobility, trade, and the movement of ideas between our two nations. This move not only simplifies travel for citizens but also strengthens personal and professional ties, encouraging greater collaboration in various sectors. It’s a testament to the confidence we share in each other’s sovereignty and commitment to collaboration.
TNE: In light of regional challenges, particularly regarding terrorism, how does Morocco stand with Burkina Faso in addressing these issues?
YS: Security is a shared concern, and Morocco stands in full solidarity with Burkina Faso. We acknowledge the tireless efforts of the Burkinabè government in combating terrorism and violent extremism. Through collaborative frameworks, we aim to share best practices, knowledge, and support each other in promoting stability and peace in the region.
TNE: That’s encouraging to hear. Mr. Slaoui, what message do you have for the younger generation in Burkina Faso who look towards Morocco as a model of development and cooperation?
YS: I would tell them to view Morocco not just as a model, but as a partner. The spirit of South-South cooperation is vital in today’s world. Your future lies in your hands, and engaging with international partners like Morocco can open doors to innovation, education, and economic opportunities. Together, we can build a better future for both our nations.
TNE: Thank you, Mr. Slaoui, for sharing such insightful perspectives. Your commitment to building a prosperous partnership between Morocco and Burkina Faso is clear, and we wish you continued success in your endeavors.
YS: Thank you very much! It was great to discuss these important matters with you.